Camellia japonica Mark Alan

Camellia 'Mark Alan' is a superb variety of Japanese Camellia that captivates with its spectacular flowers from February to April. Its beautiful glossy dark green foliage forms a perfect backdrop to highlight the large peony-like flowers composed of a large quantity of gracefully incurved petals. Their vibrant colour evolves, ranging from bright pink to brilliant cherry red. This bush is of moderate size and growth and prefers partial shade, in moist and humus-bearing soil, with a tendency towards acidity, above all non-chalky. It can also be grown in a container on a terrace.

Camellia belongs to the small family of Theaceae, of which it is the best-known representative along with the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and all ornamental species. Some other genera in the family are appreciated by collectors, such as the frost-sensitive Gordonia or the Stewartia, whose respective flowers resemble those of simple Camellias. Among the dozens of botanical species recorded, Camellia japonica is the most well-known and used in gardens. 'Mark Alan' is an American variety introduced to the market as early as 1958, and still relevant today thanks to the fascinating beauty of its peony-like flowers. This slow-growing shrub has a bushy, branching and erect habit, with deep roots, reaching approximately 1.80 m high and 1.20 m spread at maturity under good growing conditions, after 8 to 10 years in the ground. Its evergreen foliage consists of large elliptical, 10 to 12 cm long, leathery leaves, with a glossy dark green upper side. This dark vegetation is perfect for highlighting the brightly coloured flowers, which fluctuate from bright pink to brilliant cherry red. From February to April, large flowers follow one another, each exceeding 12 cm in diameter and reaching up to 14 or 15 cm, formed by numerous petals. These double flowers are reminiscent of peonies, composed of long petals curved in their centre, and often also curved laterally, giving them a crumpled appearance. A few yellow stamens punctuate the intricate heart of the flower here and there, adding to its romantic charm.

While Camellia Mark Alan is hardy down to -15°C in the ground, its flowering may be compromised by snow, icy winds, and temperatures below -5°C. It therefore prefers mild and humid climates and thrives best in coastal regions, in acidic, humus-bearing, well-drained soil. It will integrate well into a bed of acid-loving plants that generally share the same needs. Its early flowering will give you flowers all year round if you plant it with Rhododendrons and Azaleas which, depending on the varieties, will flower until June, in a whole range of colours. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea) will then take over for the summer and until autumn, with an equally impressive variety of shapes and colours. Then it will be the turn of the autumn Camellia (Camellia sasanqua) whose white, pink, or red flowers defy the dark and cold days to offer their end-of-year and winter spectacle. Also add some foliage plants like Oxydendron arboreum, a deciduous shrub whose foliage turns red in autumn (and which also produces a beautiful summer flowering in long clusters of bell-shaped flowers). And to complete your composition, consider Japanese Maples which are unrivalled for ornamental foliage, for the design of their palmate leaves and the incredible choice of available colours.